The Marty-party is coming to Sharavogue

RTÉ personality Marty Morrissey is to host the official opening of this year's Black Bull Threshing Festival at Sharavogue, Birr.

This year's festival takes place on Sunday, August 23 at Black Bull, Sharavogue, and the popular community event will feature working threshing mills, vintage displays (tractors, engines and cars), live music and demonstrations of traditional farmyard life, like butter-making. It also boasts craft stalls, dog shows and live farmyard animals. The festival first took place in 2003 and annually raises fund for local community causes.

This year, funds raised from the festival will go towards the development of Coolderry playground. Proceedings this year will begin from 1pm.

Cork native Marty Morrissey is one of Ireland's best-known sports commentators and television presenters, and regularly presents or commentates on high-profile events, such as the All-Ireland Senior Football and Hurling Championships, and he will no doubt prove a popular person to open this year's events.